AEP Counsellor

We are looking for a highly qualified and empathetic school counsellor to join the Academic English Pathway team. This is not a teaching role. The AEP Counsellor will implement a comprehensive counselling programme utilising a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model, serving as a student advocate and working collaboratively with AEP staff, families and external professionals to foster students' academic achievement, social-emotional wellbeing and successful adjustment to an intensive English-medium learning environment.

The AEP Counsellor provides direct and indirect counselling services to AEP students across academic, social-emotional and personal domains. The counsellor delivers Tier 1 universal support (e.g. wellbeing lessons, transition programmes, orientation), Tier 2 targeted group interventions and Tier 3 individual counselling as needed. The counsellor collaborates closely with the AEP teaching team, families and the wider school Student Support Department to ensure a coordinated, whole-child approach to student wellbeing.

Role and Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive school counselling programme within the AEP that addresses students’ academic, social-emotional and personal development needs.
• Utilise a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model to deliver universal, targeted and intensive counselling interventions.
• Provide individual and small-group counselling to AEP students experiencing social-emotional, behavioural or adjustment difficulties.
• Design and deliver Tier 1 wellbeing lessons, orientation programmes and transition support for students entering and exiting the AEP.
• Support students’ cultural adjustment, identity development and sense of belonging within the school community.
• Collaborate with AEP teachers to identify students at risk and develop appropriate intervention plans.
• Monitor and track student wellbeing data, maintaining accurate and confidential records in line with school policy and professional standards.
• Liaise with parents and families to provide guidance, communicate concerns and support students’ progress, including navigating cross-cultural communication where needed.
• Work collaboratively with the school’s Student Support Department, including learning support staff, school psychologists and external professionals as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of AEP policies and procedures related to student wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral care.
• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed, following school safeguarding and child protection protocols.
• Support AEP staff with strategies for managing student wellbeing and behaviour in the classroom.
• Assist with the admissions process by providing insight into prospective students’ social-emotional readiness for the programme.
• Provide detailed weekly wellbeing updates to AEP staff and contribute to progress reports home to families.
• Attend morning briefings, staff meetings and professional development activities as required.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in school counselling, particularly as it relates to English language learners and culturally diverse populations.
• Establish effective working relationships with colleagues, parents and external agencies.
• Participate in all aspects of school life and support holistic education.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the AEP Program Leader or Head of School.

Qualifications and Skills

Required

• Advanced degree in School Counselling, Social Work, Counselling Psychology, School Psychology or a related field.
• Previous training and/or certification in school counselling, school-based social work or school psychology.
• Minimum three years’ experience working in schools as a school counsellor, social worker or school psychologist.
• Previous training and/or experience working with primary and/or secondary-aged students (Years 5–8 / Ages 10–14).
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and professional collaboration skills.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent command of the English language.
• Must demonstrate flexibility, strong work habits and a positive attitude.
• Proficiency in using school systems, databases, communications platforms and educational technology.

Preferred

• Previous and current training in child protection and/or safeguarding issues.
• Knowledge and/or experience providing school counselling support within an MTSS (or RtI) model (?).
• Knowledge and/or experience with the standards and practices of the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) and/or International School Counselors Association.
• Experience working with English as an Additional Language (EAL) students and their families.
• Understanding of the social-emotional and cultural dimensions of second language acquisition and cross-cultural transition.
• Experience as a special education teacher or interventionist.
• Experience in an international school environment.
• Fluency in English is required; the ability to communicate in Mandarin, Korean or Japanese is helpful to support effective communication, inclusive practice and parent outreach.

Nexus International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.